Syma S108-G
Street Price: $34.99 US
Manufacturer: Syma
Mfgr's recommended min. age: 8
Our recommended age range: 8-adult
Primary use: Indoors
Top speed: n/a
Radio: n/a, infrared
Includes:
- Assembled aircraft
- Controller
- USB charging cable
- Instructions
- Spare tail prop
- 6x AA batteries
Initial Impressions
The Syma S108G is, as the name obviously implies, the successor to the incredibly successful, amazing-performing S107G I reviewed in 2010. Talk about a hard act to follow! This one promises the same coaxial (twin, counter-rotating main rotor), gyro-stabilized performance as the original, but one-ups it with a detailed, realistic fuselage based on the popular AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter.
Like most micro helis, the Syma S108G can be charged from the controller. Like the S107G, it can also be charged from the USB port of a computer or other device with an included adapter. When you don't charge from the controller, your 6 AA batteries seem to last forever, which makes these Syma helis exceptionally inexpensive to fly again & again.
Testing
The S107G was the best low-cost heli I've ever tested or seen, so the S108G really needed to be that good or better. It is. The first time I got it into the air, it was able to hover almost perfectly at around 1/3rd throttle. Thanks to the built-in gyro, whatever direction it's pointing is the direction it will remain pointing until you tell it to turn. When it turns, it turns smoothly, and when you tell it to stop turning, it stops immediately. It doesn't dance around in flight, you don't have to wrestle with the controls, it just does what you want, when you want. It has three forward or reverse speeds, allowing you to creep around very slowly or speed up a bit, and even when flying at maximum forward speed, it maintains its heading perfectly. You can even make a sudden turn at full speed or go into full reverse to stop more quickly. Nothing seems to be able to upset the S108G in flight. Even the inevitable turbulence from flying in a small room, which generally upsets and knocks around small helicopters, does not appear to faze this one. Of course, you can't fly outside unless there is absolutely no wind, but that is the case with all but the most incredibly expensive micro helis.
Video
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Conclusion
Well, it happened, the best just got better. The Syma S108G flies every bit as well as its predecessor and adds the exciting realistic touch of a scale attack helicopter fuselage. Another winner from Syma, and at around $35 USD, it's a winner for anyone interested in easy, safe, rewarding indoor RC helicopter flight at an unbeatable value.
Where to Buy
Here are a couple places to find this great heli for sale: